(15) Be Responsible for Yourself

When disaster strikes, it doesn't take long for people to blame others. We are quick to take credit for success, and slow to take responsibility for failure.

Early in the sixth century BC the people of Israel faced a crisis of responsibility. Babylon had invaded Jerusalem and exiled thousands of influential Jewish people. Israel's kings and their armies offered futile resistance. The nation was clearly doomed. So, like all irresponsible people, they sought an alibi: this is our fathers' fault. This sentiment became a proverb: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (18:2).

In Ezekiel 18 God rebukes Israel's blame-shifting. Yes, the leaders of Judah led the people into disaster, as chapter 19 points out. But every individual Israelite was responsible to God for their own decisions. In these chapters God calls us to own our sins. And he encourages personal responsibility by revealing his interest in our lives and promising healing for genuine repentance.